Though there were plenty of great moments at the 2022 Oscars, none will be remembered more than the slap heard around the world: Will Smith smacked Chris Rock after Rock made a joke at the expense of Jada Pinkett Smith’s beautiful, bald head. Pinkett Smith is bald as the result of alopecia. She has been open about her struggle with the condition, especially on her oft-viral show Red Table Talk. During a 2018 episode of the Facebook Watch series, she revealed, “It was terrifying when it first started. I was in the shower one day and had just handfuls of hair in my hands and I was just like, ‘Oh, my God, am I going bald?’ It was one of those times in my life where I was literally shaking with fear.” Pinkett Smith said that her “issues” with alopecia were why she shaved her head and continues to do so today. “I just had [thought], ‘OK, I think we’re gonna do another layer of cutting,’ you know? And my hair has been a big part of me,” she said. “Taking care of my hair has been a beautiful ritual, and having the choice to have hair or not, and then one day to be like, ‘Oh, my God, I might not have the choice.’” If there was any possible good outcome from Smith and Rock’s spat, it may be raising awareness of alopecia. And Pinkett Smith is hardly the only celebrity living with the condition—in fact, actress Ashley Tisdale recently opened up about her own struggle. Here’s everything to know about the disorder, from what causes it to the treatment options available.
What Is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the clinical term for hair loss, and it covers quite a bit of ground. “There are many types of alopecia. Alopecia areata is a specific disorder where one’s hair is thinning as a consequence of an autoimmune disorder. Generally, it presents as a sudden loss of hair in round patches,” Dr. William Yates, MD, FACS, board-certified hair loss surgeon and founder & owner of Yates Enterprises, tells Parade.com. Alopecia areata impacts 1 in every 500 to 1,000 people in the United States, meaning Pinkett Smith is far from alone in her struggle with the condition. Additionally, Black women struggle with alopecia at higher rates, most commonly with a type called traction alopecia, which is caused by a mechanical pull on the hair follicle causing damage and thinning. This can be caused by super-tight styles like ponytails, braids or extensions. Other types of alopecia include:
Androgenic alopecia, which is the most common form of hair loss. According to Dr. Yates, “This is completely genetic and results in male and female pattern balding.“Scarring alopecia, which is when the hair follicles are destroyed by white blood cells—the body’s own defense mechanisms.Alopecia totalis, which is hair loss across the entire scalp and an autoimmune condition.Alopecia universalis, which is loss of all body hair, including from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and nose down to your toes, also an autoimmune response.
What Is the Cause Of Alopecia?
“There are many causes for alopecia or hair loss,” Dr. Yates, an alopecia patient himself, says. “They are genetic, medications, illnesses, hormonal changes and several other lesser causes. The cause of alopecia areata is unknown and is believed to have a strong genetic component.”
How Do You Cure Alopecia?
Unfortunately, you can’t cure alopecia, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to be bald forever. “In most cases, it will regress on its own within a 12-month period,” Dr. Yates says, “but several treatments are available to help speed the recovery process.” Dermatologist and founder of DERMAdoctor Dr. Audrey Kunin, MD, says that depending on the severity and the type of alopecia, treatments can vary. These include steroid injections, topical immunomodulators (treatments placed on the skin), contact immunotherapy (in which a treatment is “painted” onto the scalp periodically) or minoxidil. For more serious cases of larger areas of hair loss, Dr. Kunin says that systemic biological therapy such as JAK inhibitors (a special type of immunomodulators) may be used; if a patient experiences eyelash loss, bimatoprost (the ingredient in prescription lash serum) can be effective. Another integral part of alopecia treatment that Dr. Kunin stresses is one that many may overlook: “Protection of scalp hair loss with a broad spectrum SPF 30 is also important.”
Is Alopecia Caused By Stress?
Severe stress has been linked to hair loss, though individual causes may vary by patient. According to Cleveland Clinic, extreme stress can cause telogen effluvium hair loss, which is when “an increased number of hair follicles reach the telogen phase, which is the stage where hair falls out.” If you find yourself losing hair when you’re suffering from a mental illness or after a major traumatic event in your life, like the death of a loved one, it may be telogen effluvium hair loss. Thankfully, this type of hair loss isn’t permanent.
How Do You Know If You Have Alopecia?
As with most health conditions, it’s important to see a doctor for a definitive diagnosis if you’ve been experiencing hair loss. A dermatologist can perform exams and tests to determine the severity and causes of hair loss. These can include, among other measures, blood work and a scalp biopsy. Next, learn how to make your hair grow faster with these expert tips.
Sources
Cleveland ClinicNational Institute of HealthDr. Audrey Kunin, MDDr. William Yates, MD, FACS"Hair Loss In Black Women: Tips From an Expert.” Johns Hopkins Medicine.
